Jericho-Syosset News Journal (8/21/20)

TOB HONORS RESCUER

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reunited near-drowning victims Vincent and Joseph LaGrega with Christopher Madden of Hicksville.  A heroic rescuer and Town Highway employee, Christopher saved the lives of two teenagers after spotting them struggling in the strong currents of the Great South Bay.

“Our community takes great pride in recognizing the amazing actions of Christopher Madden, who displayed heroism during a time of cri-

sis,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Christopher’s quick thinking and courageous actions saved these teenagers lives and had he not responded as he did, the outcome would have been tragically different. Christopher Madden is not only a Good Samaritan, but an exemplary Town of Oyster Bay employee.

We commend him for this lifesaving rescue.”

17 year-old Vincent LaGrega and his family were boating and attempted to anchor closer to the shore in the choppy water of the Great South Bay. Vincent jumped into the water in an attempt to swim to the beach and underestimated the

extremely challenging conditions. He was soon struggling and drifting further away from the boat, clearly in immediate danger of drowning.  Vincent’s brother, Joseph, jumped into the water hoping to save him, but soon both boys were in a weakened condition and being pummeled by the waves.  At that moment, Christopher Madden spotted the boys and jumped onto a jet ski to rescue both of the boys who were gasping for air at this point. Christopher was able to bring the two boys back to the boat, and Vincent’s family credits Christopher’s actions with saving their son’s life that day.

The Jericho Syosset News Journal is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Jericho News Journal, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher

Jericho schools to open fully for K-5, hybrid for older grades

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Following a 4 to 1 vote by its Board of Education on Wednesday, August 12, the Jericho Public School district will be reopening with a mixed school calendar in September, following three successive Superintendent’s Conference Days to train administration and faculty in new protocols. Children in primary and elementary levels will attend schools in-person five days a week while Middle School and High School students will alternate between in-person and online instruction every other day, following an A/B model based on alphabetical order of last names. Sorting by last names allows families with multiple students in older grades to have (both/three/four) kids in school the same day and at home the same day, no alternating schedules among family members.

The organized district plan for academic year 2020-21 was approved with the caveat that any family or student that chooses to partake in only virtual learning for the first semester (to January 2021 at least) will be instructed to the full extent of the district’s capability, regardless of their grade level. School Board Attorney Chris Powers read the language of that aspect in the

August 12 resolution: “For those students/parents who request virtual instruction full-time, such virtual instruction will be provided to the students. Be it further resolved that the board of education and Jericho Schools administration will be monitoring such models and will make adjustments as deemed appropriate.”

To clarify for board members, Powers stated that based on the August 12 school board discussion it is self-explanatory that this remains a fluid process adapting to and with the COVID19 pandemic and any New York State and Nassau County Department of Health regulations.

Class sizes at each of Jericho’s three elementary schools will be reduced to enable social distancing and adequate spacing in district classrooms. No class will have more than 20 students.

The A/B plan for secondary level students calls for school days to rotate A1-B1-A2-B2. Both high school and middle school students would remain in the two cohorts, based upon the first letter of their last name, but the A1/ A2 refers to courses that will be taught every other day. Details for course scheduling are posted on the district website, and administrators noted for viewers of the meeting that cohorts indi-

See page 12

Town of Oyster Bay officials present citation to Christopher Madden, who saved the lives of two teenagers who were struggling against strong currents in the Great South Bay.

Jericho breakfast held to “Meet Your Neighbors”

East Birchwood residents (appropriately masked) attend "Meet Your Neighbors" breakfast meeting at Celebrity Dinner.

A “Meet Your Neighbors Breakfast,” designed to establish relationships between newcomers to East Birchwood with long-time residents, was held August 14 at the Celebrity Diner.

Twelve residents attended, which breakfast organizers Elinor and George Haber said “was a great start to what we hope will be an ongoing activity to bring our neighbors closer together to forge a true sense of community.”

Jericho newcomers Drini and Alida Dema said when they moved to East Birchwood last year, they searched for a way to learn about the community and to connect with their neighbors.

“This meeting is a great way to meet neighbors and discuss issues of concern

Photo by Bonnie Falco

to us as Jericho residents,” said Dema, a Garden City-based real estate agent.

Kenny Koo, a former merchant ship captain in Korea, said that he welcomed the opportunity to interact with neighbors he recognizes but has never spoken much with. “I have lived here for more than thirty years,” he said, “but rarely speak with anyone who is not my immediate neighbor.”

Elinor Haber said the group hopes to meet once a month at the Celebrity Diner. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. The meeting is open to all Jericho residents. Please send an email confirming attendance by Sept. 9 to geo2301@gmail.com.

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Running club donates to COVID-19 fund

GLIRC Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick (center) presents the check to Northwell Associate Director for Special Events Alexa Tiven (left) and Plainview Hospital President Michael Fener (right).

Greater Long Island Running Club officials were thrilled at the success of the recently completed Footsteps for the Frontlines Virtual 5K, 10K and Half Marathon! Not only did the event have a great turnout, but it raised $3500 that the Club was able to turn over to the Northwell Health Foundation COVID-19 – Peer to Peer, with the moneys heading straight to help things out at Plainview Hospital and their frontline crew. The check was presented on August 17 at Plainview Hospital.

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Jericho Schools detail safety measures for reopening

At the Jericho School District Board of Education’s virtual meeting held on Wednesday August 12, 2020, over 650 viewers tuned in and heard Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Victor Manuel explain all the procedures and new safety items that are being instituted in the district’s five school buildings for the upcoming academic year.

Manuel spoke about desk guards (clear plastic, desktop placement about the height of a seated adult) for every student, which would be collected and cleaned thoroughly at the end of each school day. But for middle and high school kids, they would take their own desk guard with them as they move from classroom to classroom.

“It surrounds students at their desk in all three areas and we placed an order to have enough for every student district-wide. At the elementary level, since students will be ‘cohorted’ desk guards will stay in place for the day -- the same student will remain at the same desk for the full day. At the secondary level students leaving their first period of the day would take their desk guard with them to the following periods. We will clean all of them at the end of the day and then put them out again for the next day,” he explained.

All students, teachers and staff in Jericho Public Schools in 2020-’21 will be required to wear face masks or coverings. The district is expecting each student to come to school with a mask on every day (including when getting on school buses). In case any student doesn’t have their mask on already, or in case masks get dirty or dropped and need to be thrown away, the school district has ordered close to 30,000 disposable 3-ply surgical masks in adult size as well as over 10,000 youth-size masks “to get us started,” Manuel said last Wednesday.

“A supply of masks will be available for use in every single classroom in the school district. They will also be available on all Jericho’s school buses throughout the district,” he noted.

Also for every classroom in the school district, Jericho Schools’ administration is ensuring placement of a spray bottle with a cleaning solution that Manuel said is being used to wipe down all common or public areas for students and teachers. A supply of disinfectant wipes will also be put in each classroom.

“Additionally for our custodial staff we’ve purchased a special cleaning solution that goes into a machine that will spray in each of the classrooms. That cleaning solution is said to last and to continue to disinfect for 30 days but we will be doing this in each classroom on a daily basis after school ends each day. And for daily cleanings of the schools, staff is going to examine high-touch areas including door knobs and bathrooms and we will get these areas cleaned throughout the day, and

we will have additional cleaners in each school building (Jackson, Cantiague and Seaman Elementary Schools, Jericho Middle/High School) for a portion of the school day to assist in the thorough cleaning...especially during the times when lunch periods are going on,” according to Manuel.

Wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed in every classroom and in hallways throughout Jericho schools. Manuel noted that this was not a considered installation districtwide in the past “but we will have them going forward.”

For daily bussing transportation, Manuel says guidelines from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) allow for Jericho Public Schools “to route our school buses with two kids in a seat (significantly less than what we normally route), with the requirement that all students wear a mask while on board -- if a mask isn’t being worn or the child does not have them while being picked up at a bus stop, our bus drivers will be providing them.”

For school lunch, at the elementary schools kids will be primarily eating their lunch inside the classroom. Manuel says there’s going to be some opportunities for classes to go to the cafeterias, though “not as often as in the past” one or two classes will have opportunities to go into the cafeteria and have kids eat there. Recess will continue for the school year, and each school principal is in the planning phase now for how each class within a grade and building can go into cafeterias for lunch and after-lunch recess.

At the secondary (high school level) Jericho will open Sam Springer gym will serve as the primary food service area each day. Manuel says that will be where students purchase lunches and snacks, as the point-of-sale systems will be lined up in the gym. He says the gym has much space and many tables for students to eat at will be set up.

“We will use the Middle/High school cafeterias as additional spaces for students to spend time if they have free periods -- there they will be able to be physically distanced, especially as the gym is being used for lunch,” he commented.

For older students (6th through 12th grades) the district purchased about 60 picnic tables so students can safely eat lunch outdoors al fresco, or for them to take breaks throughout the day. “At the moment we are taking a look into purchasing tents for each school, just to provide some shade during any inclement weather,” Manuel said.

Daily Health Checks for Students and Staff

At the August 12 school board meeting Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ben Ciuffo commented on the daily health/ wellness screenings for each student,

schools reopen.

Jericho Public Schools' Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Victor Manuel delivering an outline of district reopening safety plans for the coming school year.

faculty member and Jericho Schools staff member arriving for the day. This measure will serve to both screen for anyone exhibiting potential signs of COVID-19 infection as well as for contact tracing, in the event any case is linked to interactions at the school district or if and when the district becomes aware of a person who has been at a school that has tested positive. The plans for temperature and wellness screenings -- to be done each day, online and at home prior to the student departing for the school day -- are posted on the district’s website

for parents’ convenience.

“Every parent or every district employee will complete a daily health check and this is a program that can be loaded via an app or from a device. Every parent and every employee will be required to answer a series of questions every day concerning potential exposure to COVID-19, contacts and things of this nature. This form/questionnaire will be required for them to submit to the school each morning. For parents

Continued on page 6

An example of the desk shields which the Jericho Public Schools will be using when

Arts School returns with in-person, online instruction

Former Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce President Charo Ezdrin, Esq. (Chamber President from 2017 through 2019) with Cassandra Basile, director of Woodbury’s One River School of Art + Design at 150 Woodbury Road, pictured at the Syosset Woodbury Chamber February meeting.

BY RIKKI MASSAND

With world-class creative and educational arts programs, One River School of Art + Design Woodbury,  is getting an early start to its fall calendar of courses and instruction -- beginning on Monday, August 17. Protocols are in place and new trends have emerged for its programs through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Gov. Cuomo’s executive orders back in March meant closing the studio, eventually until summer, One River School expanded its lineup of online courses. The contemporary art school and learning studio opened in Woodbury almost 18 months ago, and they’re now wrapping up a successful series of summer camps: half-day programs in visual arts and electronic media and graphic design, held five days a week for children grouped in grades 3 through 5 and grades 6 through 12.

Both online and in-person summer camps took place. Participation on-site was at a responsibly reduced total capacity, in compliance with official guidelines. Parents and students alike valued having a choice for various health, safety and convenience reasons.

“With online formats students could participate from anywhere and even stay in the comfort of home, but we’ve offered online students the very same instruction and access to our phenomenal teaching artists as we do with our in-person classes. There is really no difference in classwork,”

Registrants -- both newcomers and returning arts students at One River School -- will receive a 50% discount on their first fall course if they sign up by Monday, August 17. This is the biggest promotion the arts school has ever offered. The school’s website, woodbury.

River School in Woodbury is enthused to be offering a focused and slightly more rigorous selection within the digital arts space.

“This is the first time since we’ve been open that we are able to offer such varied options in digital arts and design. Because we have had some students with us for over a year they are looking for progressive next steps in arts and digital exploration. It’s also approachable for students who have not been with us for a year. These programs elevate students’ understandings and skill levels in the Adobe Suite -- there is something for everyone!” Basile explained.

Many fall activities will not be possible or made available: school districts and other organizations are hesitant to offer activities like group sports and indoors training; cheerleading, dance, band and even debate clubs/Model U.N. may take on a completely virtual look, if such programs return in the last five months of this year or over winter.

oneriverschool.com details plans for safety, distancing students inside and sanitizing the facility daily between classes. Enrollment in the multitude of fall arts classes is accessible with just “a couple of clicks.”

At the Woodbury Road studio new protocols were instituted this summer: all participants must wear a mask while inside and every arts student is physically distanced from the next person’s workspace by at least six feet. Each teacher and staff member at the school is temperature-checked when they arrive for the day. All students entering the facility fill out a form, serving as health screening and ruling out virus symptoms and carrier likelihood.

“Part of the reason we wanted to start this fall’s course lineup in August is because (due to physical distancing in the studio) the seats will be so limited now. Before COVID-19 we’d accommodate up to 15 students in a class but now it’s between 5 and 8 students in every class. We want to give everyone an opportunity to get in early and save their seat,” says Basile. She moved to New York after completing her bachelor’s degree in Art, Art History and Studio Art from Cal State University, Northridge. She then attended a graduate program at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, studying Contemporary Art Theory in New York City.

The digital art + design courses One River School in Woodbury -- including (for grades 6 through 12) Digital Arts Shuffle, Focus on Animation, Focus on Design and Focus on Illustration allows middle and high school-aged kids a chance to express their creativity and create imagery, digital drawings and paintings and discover new methods of storytelling that could be part of publications, print and other projects. One

She notes that Focus on Illustration is vector-based and emphasizes Adobe Illustrator techniques, graphic components and commercial design. Focus on Animation takes a 100% digital animation and genre “deep dive” -- taught by a professional animator. The Focus on Design course provides students with a robust Photoshop experience. Digital Design, Illustration and Animation classes are offered at the studio. One River School offers a choice of either all-online or in-person for its Digital Arts Shuffle course for grades 6 through 12, “a sampling of all these programs” Basile said.

‘Animal Crafting’ is a huge phenomenon among teens and tweens, and many of the students in One River’s digital arts courses are into video games, anime, or cartoons.

“I grew up with Animal Crafting when it first came out, now there are so many students interested in this for fun and possibly a career path where they’d make their own games and animations. I often tell the families ‘we’ve got the perfect class for you!’ It’s a great window into what students are capable of as they create these worlds that they become proud of…..it is also their way of communicating through memes, on devices. What kids create is honored. It’s culturally relevant as part of their lexicon, style and identity in several ways,” she explained.

Adult Art Shuffle could be the perfect solution for hard working or retired grownups who’ve had to adapt their daily routines and dealt with other consequences of COVID-19 impact, or for the local parents seeking an outlet and some personal enrichment as they imagine the unorthodox school year ahead.

“Having this artistic, creative outlet is so valuable to be able to take a couple hours of the week to dedicate to making art. It’s very cool to see both tween/teen and adult students making art that speak to a lot of the cultural and political issues our society is facing today. It’s fascinating how making art with a purpose is becoming more powerful,” Basile says.

A suggestion Cassandra has given to young people interested in learning more, developing their talents or trying new artistic avenues in life is to enroll in more than one course during a week, adding ‘bookends’ to what they are experiencing now and for a while to come.

“Through quarantin,e it’s been working well for several kids that decided to take multiple classes. If you have a class on Mondays and Thursdays, it offers something to look forward to -- one course could be digital arts and the other could be studio-based. That way, you can get a well-rounded education in art.”

“We offer that sense of community and source of refuge, just a place to smile and participate. Most middle and high school students were missing that social piece of a school year, to some degree. Kids can feel safe and excited to come to class, be it in person or online -- our educators are here to help, to guide students and make it fun!” Basile told the Syosset Advance.

An interesting trend is that “friend groups” sign up together to take arts classes at One River School. With adequate distancing and limits on class size, ideas are coming forth. Basile says if a group of students that know each other would like to create their own class at the studio, One River can develop this potential. “We can think about timeframes and tailoring it with school schedules -- it can become smaller, customized ‘pods’ of families and friends taking the class together,” she said.

The month-by-month business model allows for integration of the arts courses rather than a rigid schedule and hard-tofollow commitments at the current, hectic time period. Basile says those signing up for classes on weekdays could see a shift if the school days alternated or students had to be on Zoom or GoogleMeet during different “afterschool” hours.

“One River School’s built on the idea of being flexible and adaptive to people’s busy schedules. There’s no longterm commitments to our programs and when students sign up they are in for the month at a time, then it renews until discontinued, or perhaps people freeze their membership, if they would travel; not being able to commit for 6, 8, 12 weeks at a time or for any other reasons to break for a while,” Basile commented.

Cassandra has been active in networking and collaborating with the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and when in-person meetings were continuing she attended. She explains that One River School of Art + Design has franchise opportunities available, plus there are plans to continue expanding beyond current markets -- to date, there are four locations in suburbs of New York (Woodbury and Port Jefferson on Long Island plus two in Westchester); another four are in New Jersey, one school in Westport, Connecticut; two in Illinois, and one apiece in Oregon and Texas.

For John Elliott, sailing is living. He’s been on the water for most of his 90-plus years. In all three theaters during World War 2, as a merchant seaman, and for the last 70 years sailing out of the Rockaway Point Yacht Club.

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Legislator hosts food drive for needy Long Islanders

BY GARY SIMEONE

The cars were lining up early at the Woodbury Jewish Center last Friday for a food drive organized by the Long Island Cares Food Bank and County Legislator Josh Lafazan. The drive was organized as a result of the recent tropical storm, which left many on the Island without power for several days.

“With the combination of the COVID19 pandemic and the power outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias, many Long Islanders find themselves in a critical need of food,” said Lafazan. “We were able to pull this emergency food distribution event together in less than 48 hours thanks to the generosity of our community partners and the Woodbury

Jewish Center for hosting the event.”

He said that he expected hundreds if not thousands of people to show up for the food donations, which included items like bushels of corn, fruits, vegetables, cartons of milk, water and non-perishables such as cans of pasta and rice.

“Food insecurity is at an all-time high because of the pandemic, and the recent blackouts have only exacerbated the issue,” said Lafazan. “Putting together an event like this helps people on a human level, and to me, that is a very gratifying feeling.”

As people lined up in their cars to pick up the food supplies, Long Island Cares COVID-19 Response team members helped to load the boxes into their vehicles.

“I've been working with the COVID19 Response team at different senior centers across the Island, helping people with food insecurity and who’ve recently lost their power,” said Kate McCutchen. “Today we’re stationed at the Jewish Center providing people with the necessary staples to feed their families.”

She said the only thing that was required is for people to provide their first and last names and how many people in their homes were in need of food.

“Other than that, we don’t ask them any questions about their situation,” said McCutchen. “We just want to supplement them with the three meals a day they’re missing out on because of

lack of funds or spoiled food from the power outages.”

Barry London, a Syosset resident, was one of the first in line at the food pick-up, which ran from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

“I'm trying to do the best I can even though I lost power for nine days because of the storm,” said London. “I just needed to pick up some essentials because everything I had in the refrigerator spoiled and melted in the freezer.” Community partners who helped to coordinate the event included the Woodbury Jewish Center Mid Island Y JCC councilwoman Vicki Walsh and the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce.

Jericho Schools detail safety measures for reopening

Continued from page 3

this would allow for their children to go through a health check every day. If the answer to any one of the questions is a ‘YES’ the recommendation would be for that student or employee to not come into school and to call the school principal or supervisor so the district can advise what their next steps will be. If the questionnaire has only a series of ‘NO’s’ meaning that you have met any of these contact/COVID requirements, then you would be admitted to school,” Dr. Ciuffo explained.

For any child or district employee who has not filled out their health screening form for the day, school administration would contact the family or employee and ask them to fill this out.

Dr Ciuffo added that Jericho Public Schools is well-equipped for the need

to do any COVID-19 testing if symptoms are suspected for anyone in the school building on a given day: “We have nurses that were trained through Johns Hopkins University contact-tracing. In the event we do have a COVID19 case there are protocols we put in place and those protocols are once again explained within the District Reopening Plan -- there’s a whole set of procedures that come into play for what happens with the individual and how would go home, how the district would administer to them, what would happen to the room they were in, how we will follow up with the person and so forth. This will all be in accordance with every regulation that will be shared with us from the Nassau County Department of Health. These requirements have changed in the course of the last two weeks -- we are still awaiting some final decisions

and procedures from the Department of Health about what would happen if the school district gets a confirmed positive case, or what happens if we have a student or an adult in the school building that has symptoms of COVID-19 and what we’d do in that event,” he said. Once the district and all others receive the official procedures, Ciuffo noted that Jericho will abide by them “to the letter of the law.”

Visitor management protocols for Jericho Public Schools in 2020-’21 includes a wall-mounted device that will be installed at each school building’s entrance “to provide a temperature check for any visitor, prior to them coming into school buildings,” Assistant Superintendent Manuel noted.

“While we are minimizing visitors -- for example any PTA meetings will not take place in person inside schools

-- there may be times that a parent or delivery person or contractor will need to enter schools. At that point we’re installing an electronic temperature check as well as forms for them to get filled out prior to them being allowed to enter the building,” he explained.

Dr. Ciuffo noted that a major component detailed in the school district’s Reopening Plan is the communication protocols involved for the upcoming school year, “including emails, instructional videos, meetings with parents, teachers, and school district employees.” He noted that there was attention to detail given in explaining the increased communications and ways to share new information that comes out from state and local health and education officials, with details in the Plan document posted on Jericho Public Schools’ website.

County Legislator Josh Lafazan Summer Coleman (left) and Kate McCutchen (right) of Long Island Cares

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Jericho schools to open fully for K-5, hybrid for older grades

From page 1

cated refer to those that are in school on that given day. For the cohorts not indicated on that daily schedule, the courses will be livestreamed from classrooms and teachers will check in with online students and introduce their “Lesson of the Day.”

The Reopening Plan approved last week was one of four options that the Jericho district presented to parents for survey response and rankings in order of approval.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Hank Grishman told the 659 people who tuned into the August 12 meeting live on Zoom and Facebook Live that 46% of Jericho’s teachers were either uncomfortable or very uncomfortable with the Plan; approximately 26% were ambivalent about it and a little over 27% were comfortable with the Plan that was ultimately approved. Grishman said Jericho administration received 218 teacher responses out of a potential 350.

Several of the 659 meeting attendees submitted questions on why students in upper grades would be split in the A/B format alphabetically by last names and not by grade levels. Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Victor Manuel commented that if kids were split up by grade levels alone, there would not be a way for Jericho to reduce

the density of a classroom because the entire grade would be in school on the same day. “The A/B day reduces the density of classrooms,” he said.

Jericho Schools administration noted that weekly extra help from teachers will be offered for all secondary-level students, and social-emotional learning opportunities will be included in the students’ regular school day “as noted by the individual buildings.”

School Board President Bill Ferro said he understood potential educational benefits of the model mentioned during the July school board meeting, where Jericho Middle School students would attend class in mornings and Jericho High School students would attend in afternoons. But he said ultimately he “understood the concerns of our teaching leadership and administration,” and he saw a clearer picture of how the A/B model reduces district class sizes and density in a better way.

“This is the model that our teachers were most comfortable teaching in. Sure I know everybody would love to be teaching from home, but if you had to be teaching at schools our teachers' input was most important here. We’ve listened to that and respected that, and I commend our administration with coming up with changes that seem more viable,” Ferro said last week.

He also noted that calculations on

the reduced class sizes detailed in the Reopening Plan are based on all students enrolled in Jericho coming to school -- not taking into account yet any who are making the decision to remain in virtual learning only for 2020-’21. “If we are anticipating anywhere from 10% to 20% of district students participating full-time virtually, that would reduce class sizes even further,” he noted.

School Board trustee Daborah Lee was the lone “no” vote among Board members on the approved Reopening Plan. She said one of her concerns is that every single school day “is like a reset” and noted that it will not make a difference if every child attending school is tested at their home. She said while the district can have very strict and diligent safety measures in place -- what the schools do are “the hardware” and what the people do is “the software.”

“With Superintendent Grishman saying the infections are gaining among those 15 through 25 years old, the 15 through 17 and 18-year-olds are in our high school. How will we be monitoring all they do? I don’t think we can tell these older kids not to gather or have gatherings. Parents will also go back

to work, they will go out for lunch, errands, appointments, anything. Then at the end of the school day everyone goes back home -- the kids, teachers, staff are going back to another variable. We’re doing so much for safety measures with items, PPE, disinfecting everything. But we can’t control the people part,” she explained.

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Educational Operations Dr. Benjamin Ciuffo said that comment was right. “But we will have to trust in people doing the right things and taking the right precautions -- that goes for everybody -- every parent, adult and child. We are trusting that they all act responsibly in terms of everything we’ve lived through in the last several months. But Dab is right, I do not know how we control the habits of a teenager on the weekends as that is an individual decision for parents to make. We (the district) will hand out information, using videos, chats and meetings and PTA meetings, parent contacts so the district will be telling people what they should do. But it comes down to trusting that parents do the right thing for their child and all the other children in school,” Ciuffo commented on August 12.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Public Notice is hereby given that separate sealed bids for Canopy and Interior Reconstruction project will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on September 4, 2020 at the Administrative Offices at the BETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY, located at 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The work shall be as follows: CONTRACT #1–GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

SED # 28-05-21-03-6-011-011INTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION

SED# 28-05-21-03-6-011-010CANOPY RECONSTRUCTION (REBID)

Complete digital sets of the Contract documents may be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of Forty Nine Dollars ($49.00) at the following website www.jagplanroom.com under ‘public projects’ beginning on August 14, 2020. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from Island Digital Reprographics 200 Broadhollow Road Suite One Farmingdale New York 11735 (631-753-3000) upon a deposit of ONE HUNDRED ($100.00 Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the Bethpage Public Library

All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit shall be refunded to each Bidder only if the plans and specifications are returned, in good condition, with no handwritten notations thereon within (30) calendar days after the bid opening date. All deposits shall be forfeited to the Library after the (30) days have elapsed.

ANY PERSON OR CORPORATION WHO FAILS TO SUBMIT A BID SHALL FORFEIT THEIR HARD COPY PLAN DEPOSIT IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Each Bidder must deposit, with their sealed bid, security in an amount not less than 10% of the base bid and all Alternate Bids in the proper form subject to the conditions set forth in the Instructions to Bidders (Page 3).

Attention of the Bidders is spe-

LEGAL NOTICES

cifically directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, as well as to other provisions set forth in the bidding documents.

A PRE-BID WALK THRU IS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 28, 2020 @ 9:30 A.M.

Bidder will also be required to show, to the satisfaction of the Bethpage Public Library that they are carrying Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by law and all other Insurance in amounts not less than that specified under the General Conditions.

Performance Bonds and Labor/ Material Bonds, as called for in the General Conditions are a requirement of each contract.

The Bethpage Public Library reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted, to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid, and/ or to accept any bid in whole or in part and/ or to award or not award the contract, if in the opinion of the Bethpage Public Library the best interest of the LIBRARY will thereby be served. This invitation is an offer to receive bids for a contract. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a formal contract in the form contained in the Contract Documents.

All bids received after the time stated in the Notice to Bidders will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the bidder. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in the handling of the mail

by employees of the LIBRARY. Whether sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having its bid deposited on time at the place specified. Each Bidder shall agree to hold their bid price for (45) days after the formal bid opening.

Per Article 8, Section 220 of the New York State Labor Law, every contractor and sub-contractor shall submit to the LIBRARY within (30) days after issuance of its first payroll, and every (30) days thereafter, a transcript of the original payroll record, as provided by this article, subscribed and affirmed as true under penalties of perjury. The LIBRARY shall be required to receive and maintain such payroll records. The original payrolls or transcripts shall be preserved for (5) years from the completion of the work on the project.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty with regard to (a) when the Owner’s building will be open to the public during 2020, (b) what restrictions, if any, will be applicable to construction activities in the Owner’s facilities due to State, Federal or Local orders, laws, regulations or rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic (including but not limited to social distancing, cleaning and disinfection requirements) and (c) the duration of any restrictions imposed on construction activities, the Owner may mod-

ify the construction schedule set forth in the Contract/Bid Documents. By submitting a bid, the Bidder acknowledges and agrees that there shall be no additional compensation paid for schedule modifications caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the sole remedy for any schedule modifications or delays caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic shall be an extension of time, if warranted.

BY ORDER OF: Board of Trustees

Bethpage Public Library Administration Offices 47 Powell Avenue

Bethpage, NY 11714

Lisa Dobra Librarian in Charge

BN 7481

1X 08/14,21

NOTICE OF FORMATION

Notice of formation of Make Some Waves LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on June 15, 2020. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 30 Irving Dr. Woodbury NY 11797. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

JNJ 7943

6X 07/17,24,31,08/07,14,21

21, 2020

Bike Tours Are Ideal Driveable Adventure This Season

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Bike tours offer one of the best vacation alternatives in these times when people want to be outdoors in open spaces, and enjoy magnificent landscapes, discover heritage and history and have that opportunity for shared serendipitous experiences that travel uniquely provide. There is still time this season to take advantage of guided, self-guided and private bike tours from companies including Pocono Biking, Wilderness Voyageurs and Discovery Bicycle Tours.

Pocono Biking has space on departures this season on a supported four-day bike tour that takes you 142 miles on the Delaware & Lehigh rail trail.

I did this ride, anchored by the charming town of Jim Thorpe and the famous historic landmark at Washington Crossing, on the  Railsto-Trails Conservancy’s Sojourn, though with camping instead of innto-inn along this scenic and historyrich D&L trail (railstotrails.org). The RTC trip also was operated by Pocono Biking, an outdoors- adventure company in the area well known for its rafting adventures on the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Valley.

The trip, cycling through 57,600 acres (90 miles) of state park, is designed so you get to enjoy three of Pennsylvania’s award winning small towns: from the mountains of Jim Thorpe, to the cobblestone streets of Bethlehem and onto the Revolutionary-era architecture of New Hope. Essentially, we follow the route of Anthracite Coal, from mine

Biking the scenic, history-rich Delaware & Lehigh Trail (the D&L). Pocono

Biking has a four-day, 142-mile guided inn-to-inn tour © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

to market, which thrust America into the Industrial Revolution. Along the way, we see the geography, the resources, and the technological innovations that made this possible, and how they affected the society, the culture, and the economy of the fledgling nation. The trail, part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, is so historically significant that it is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.

Day 1 – 36 miles: The adventure

starts in the Lehigh Gorge State Park wilderness, biking passed waterfalls into the quaint town of Jim Thorpe.  The first night is spent surrounded by the mountains in the Inn of Jim Thorpe, circa 1849.

Jim Thorpe – an odd name for a town – was established in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, which means “Mountain of the Sleeping Bear,» the name the Lenni Lenape Indians gave to the nearby mountain. But it was later renamed for an Oklahoma-born

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

Native American, the Olympic hero Jim Thorpe, who is buried there (interesting story).

The town played a key role in the emergence of the United States as an Industrial Revolution powerhouse. Here, entrepreneurs led by Josiah White formed the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company in the 1820s (you can still see the brick building), which shipped anthracite coal and other goods to market via the Lehigh and Delaware Canals which they constructed. The town grew in importance when it was named Carbon County’s seat in 1843.

Jim Thorpe is a hub of attractions including the Packer Mansion; the Old Jail Museum; the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, St. Mark’s Church, Historic Stone Row, the Mauch Chunk Opera House, Anita Shapolsky Art Center, Mauch Chunk Museum, plus wineries and distilleries (Big Creek Vineyard and Stonekeep Meadery), biking, hiking and rafting.

Jim Thorpe Visitors Center, 2 Lehigh Ave., Jim Thorpe PA 18229, 570-325-3673, jimthorpe.org.

Day 2 – 37 miles: Bike beside the historic locks and canals along the Lehigh River to the town of Bethlehem, PA, an old Moravian settlement circa 1741, spending the night in the Hotel Bethlehem where Presidents and dignitaries have stayed.

In addition to an opportunity to visit the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, a non-profit conservation organization at the foot of the Kittatinny Ridge (610-760-8889, http://lgnc.org/), the ride bookends the Industrial Revolution as we cycle

Continued on next page

GOING

Bike Tours Are Ideal Driveable Adventure This Season

on the towpath along the original 1800s canal locks, through Freemansburg, a classic example of a canal town with houses and structures built up against the waterway that was the village’s lifeblood in the 1800s (http:// lehighvalleyhistory.com/history-ofthe-borough-of-freemansburg ) and passes an island with a shuttered steel mill that today stands somewhat surreally like an abstract sculpture.

Day 3 – 47 miles: Cycle south from Bethlehem following the path of 19th century aqueducts to the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Visit the only operating mule drawn canal boat east of the Mississippi. Tour the National Canal Museum and pass through many quaint, river villages, until arriving in New Hope.

The  Delaware & Lehigh National

Heritage Corridor  interprets this fascinating period of American history in the 520-acre Hugh Moore Park through tours of the National Canal Museum and rides on the 110-passenger  Josiah White II canal boat, one of only three mule-drawn canal boats still operating in America, which plies a two-mile section of the canal that has been restored. (https:// canals.org/)

Day 4 – 22 miles:  On day four, ride along the canal trail to Washington Crossing where George Washington crossed the Delaware in 1776 (www. WashingtonCrossingPark.org).  You also cross the Delaware to the D&R Canal State Park and head north to Bull’s Island where the ride ends with lunch before being shuttled back to your car.

Available dates at this writing include Sept. 14 and Oct. 5 ($995, $225

single supplement, $90 to rent a bike).

If you would rather DIY, Pocono Biking also offers daily rates and shuttle service, Big Day Out & Big Night Out (Multisport Adventures), two-day trips, and Pocono Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River.

Pocono Biking, 7 Hazard Square, Jim Thorpe, PA, 570-325-8430, PoconoBiking. com.

Other bike tours available this season:

Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle, PA, is offering New York Erie Canal Bike Tour (4-days,Sept. 21); Great Allegheny Passage Bike Tour (4-days, Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5), Easy Rider GAP Bike Tour (3-days, Sept. 9). (800272-4141, bike@Wilderness-Voyageurs. com, Wilderness-Voyageurs.com)

Discovery Tours , based in Woodstock, Vt., is inviting biking enthusiasts to design their own tour,

such as in New York’s Finger Lakes ( 800-257-2226, discoverybicycletours. com).

Find more trails through Railsto-Trails Conservancy, 2121 Ward Court, NW, Washington, DC 20037, 866202-9788, railstotrails.org, TrailLink. com

© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Kitchen Gadgets That Will Pay for Themselves in No Time at All

BY MARY HUNT

I’m crazy about gadgets -- everything from quirky can openers to smartphones. Hand me a Swiss Army knife and I’m in heaven -- the more blades and utensils the better. And when that gadget is a true money-saver? Oh, be still my heart!

Today, I want to tell you about four gadgets that are inexpensive enough to pay for themselves in a short period of time -- and then to continue paying off in food savings, which is saying a lot as food costs continue to soar.

VACUUM SEALER

I’ve depended on a vacuum sealer in my kitchen for so many years that I cannot imagine getting along without it. Now and then, I get lazy, and invariably, that gives me a jolt to remind me why I do this.

Take strawberries, for example. If I put them into a rigid container (such as a Mason jar using the jar sealer accessory) and vacuum out all of the air, fresh strawberries will last for at least two weeks in the refrigerator -- remaining as fresh as the day I bought them. Placed in the refrigerator in their original container, strawberries often start to show mold in just a couple of days.

I vacuum seal raw rice, sugar, spices, meat, baked goods (I freeze them first so the vacuum doesn’t crush them), fresh fruits and vegetables.

I vacuum seal silver flatware to keep it from tarnishing. I vacuum sealed my birth certificate and my Social Security card.

A vacuum sealer, when used diligently, will extend the shelf life of every

type of food imaginable. That means your garbage disposal and trash can will cease to be the best-fed members of your household!

BLENDER

I am more convinced than ever that healthy eating is one of the most effective ways to reduce health care costs. That’s why I thought we needed a powerful juicer to make healthy smoothies every morning. So, I purchased a highly rated juicer -- and used it exactly two times before it became a dust-collector and space-occupier.

Cleaning the thing was so difficult and time-consuming that it became more of a problem than a solution.

Whoops.

Another problem? Juicers don’t make smoothies! Powerful, professional-grade blenders do.

So, eight years ago, I donated the juicer to a friend who could use it and replaced it with a Blendtec. That exact model Blendtec is still available at a

much-reduced price from what I paid

DEHYDRATOR

No one was more surprised than I by what a terrific money-saver a dehydrator can be. Of course, you have to actually use it. But when you do, you’ll be quite amazed.

The cost of dehydrating your own food is a fraction of the cost of commercially dehydrated foods, and it doesn’t require any additives or preservatives.

With a good dehydrator around, for about $80, you can dry fruit, vegetables and jerky in hours instead of days.

FOOD SLICER

I’ve been using my new electric food slicer for about a year now, and oh, boy, what a lovely item it is. I’ve pretty much used it every day since I pulled it out of the box. I know what you’re thinking: Why?!

I would have asked the same thing before I did a little cost evaluation. At our home, we eat a lot of deli-style turkey -- $6.59 per pound at my local Costco. The same brand roast turkey breast unsliced is $3.99 per pound. The exact same thing!

I discovered the same price difference for cheese -- sliced versus bulk. After calculating how often I purchase these items, it didn’t take long to see that slicing at home would pay off big in lower costs. What I didn’t calculate was the fun factor. Seriously, it’s fun.

To learn exact brands and models of these kitchen gadgets, go to https:// EverydayCheapskate.com/kitchengadgets.

Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

On and off for years I looked for my high school friend, Barbara who most people called Bobsie. I looked on social media, looked for newspaper stories about her or her family. All to no avail. Right after high school when so many students in my graduating class went away to college, that’s when Bobsie and I lost touch.

We went in so many different directions, to different parts of the country and we didn’t have the option of keeping in touch by email or Facebook. Email existed but it wasn’t used by the general public in the 70s when I attended college and Facebook wasn’t invented until Mark Zuckerberg, who was 19 years old and a sophomore at Harvard, launched the site in 2004.

We had to keep in touch by snail mail or phone and hope for the best. The other option was maybe we would run into each other downtown while shopping and doing errands.

Our yearbooks were handy up to a point. They listed where we planned on going to college and what our majors would be. Most of us set off in those directions but things changed for some of us.

I started at Fairfield University in Connecticut and ended up graduating from Hofstra University. So for the first two years of college I was out of state then I was back on Long Island. After college I immediately got busy with my career. I was so busy doing the projects my supervisor had assigned and was so preoccupied with meeting deadlines that frankly I didn’t have time to dwell on the past, on my high school days.

Whenever talk started on social media about a high school reunion I’d listen carefully wondering if I could make it on the date the social commit-

tee had chosen and wondering who I might run into. Plus where would the reunion be held? Who would cater it? What deejay would play the music? Would it be a formal event or casual? People got pretty excited talking about all of the details of the reunion and people would chime in. I’d wonder if Bobsie would join the conversation and express her interest in going to the reunion. Nothing.

I asked some of my friends on social media, asked people who knew her in high school, also, if they knew where she was. Nothing again. The fact that Bobsie had probably married and had a different last name made my search harder. I was looking for one Barbara so-and-so but chances were she hadn’t gone by that name in decades. Still, I wanted to keep searching so I started where we had left off.

I knew that Bobsie was going to attend Marist College in Poughkeepsie. It wasn’t that Poughkeepsie was that far away - either from home on Long Island or from my school in Connecticut - it’s just that as new college students we were very focused on our new surroundings. We were meeting our new professors, making new friends on campus, joining various clubs and going into town for dinners for special occasions. Some of my friends were good at keeping in touch with their former high school friends but Bobsie and I weren’t. We immersed ourselves in our dormitory life and our college classes.

Then one day the light bulb went off. It dawned on me that there was a much simpler way to find out about Bobsie’s whereabouts. I could call her parents. A quick search online told me that her parents were still listed in Rockville Centre and they had the same phone

number. Not surprising. One weekend I dialed the number hoping both parents would remember me and knowing they probably would since we’d had dinner together many times when Bobsie and I were in high school plus I’d spent nights in their finished basement at sleepovers with several girls Bobsie had invited. We met as freshmen and were friends for four years so we’d hung out a lot at her house and at my house plus we went to concerts and went shopping downtown.

Getting their voice mail, I left a brief message saying who I was and why I was phoning. When I hung up I wondered if I’d get a call back but two hours later, after finishing dinner and loading the dishwasher, the phone rang and it was Bobsie’s mom. For 20 minutes we reminisced about the times I’d shared with her family.

Bobsie’s mom gave me the short version of what Bobsie had been doing the past 40 years. She said that she and her family had moved from Nassau County to Suffolk County 10 years ago, close to her and her husband’s home. She told me that Bobsie had married Brian and had three children, two girls and a

boy. She has been working as a fitness instructor and her husband is a high school science teacher.

Before hanging up she told me that she was going to give Bobsie my phone number and have her call me. Sure enough Bobsie and I reconnected and we filled each other in on the past few decades. We wanted to make plans immediately for a mini-reunion but Bobsie said, “Let’s wait until we get the all-clear on this coronavirus thing. Then we can celebrate in style.”

In the meantime we keep in touch with the weekly phone calls that usually have us in stitches laughing about pranks we played in high school and the trouble we got in. When I was a freshman and my sister, Michelle, was a senior, we switched places in classes one day. Bobsie was the one who noticed that the student in my seat wasn’t actually me. She blurted out, loudly enough for the teacher to hear, “You’re not Claire!”

A disappointed Michelle was told to return to her real class and I returned to mine.

Emails and texts work but a reunion with Bobsie is forthcoming. I can’t wait!

BY TOM MARGENAU

Occasionally, I like to take a break from the routine of covering the same old Social Security questions over and over again. A couple of months ago, I wrote a column in which I shared a funny story involving my first day on the job as a newly minted clerk for the Social Security Administration. I got so many emails from readers who enjoyed that column that I decided to write one more. This will give you a little glimpse into the world of a public servant.

The story I shared a couple of months ago happened in the first Social Security office I worked at in the small town of Litchfield, Illinois. After about a year in that office, I transferred to a huge inner-city office on the west side of Chicago. My job involved helping people file claims for Social Security benefits.

One morning, the office doors opened, and the usual flood of people filed into the office, including one older woman who was crying hysterically. She kept repeating the phrase: “Oh, my poor husband, he’s dead! He’s dead!” We all could see other customers in the waiting room trying to console her. Once the receptionist had checked everyone in, including the distraught woman, my fellow claims representatives and I walked up to the front desk to pick up our designated interviews. Sure enough, I was assigned to the sobbing senior. The interview slip the receptionist filled out said “wants to file for widows benefits,” so, of course, I had an idea why the woman was so sad.

We walked back to my desk in a far corner of the office. She cried all the way there. I offered her some tissues and asked her to sit down. “How can I help you?” I enquired, sort of knowing what the answer was going to be.

“Oh, my husband ... He’s dead! He’s dead!”, she sobbed.

“I’m so sorry to hear that, ma’am,” I replied, with as much compassion as I could muster. “And are you here to file for widows benefits?”

“Yes, I am,” she stammered. And then, once again, she started sobbing: “Oh, my husband, he’s dead! He’s dead!”

I pulled out the widows application form, which began with some basic questions such as her name, her husband’s name and their Social Security numbers. It’s when we got to the next question that things got very interesting. And that question asked for the date of death.

As gently as I could, I asked her when her husband died. “This morning,” she answered!

“I’m sorry,” I asked incredulously, “did you say your husband died just this morning?”

“Yes, he sure did,” she sobbed. I managed to stumble out something like, “Oh, my goodness! What happened?”

And her next answer changed the

‘My Husband ... He’s Dead!’

course of the interview. She said, “I shot him!”

I thought back to the 12-week training class I had completed not too long before this interview. And I couldn’t recall anything about how to take a claim for widows benefits from a woman who had killed her husband. So, I went to my supervisor and said: “I think I have a murderer at my desk! What do I do?”

After some consultation with other officials in the office, my supervisor decided to move the woman to the manager’s office. The police were called. Interestingly, the manager also told me to come into the office and finish taking her claim for widows benefits.

And maybe it’s good they did. Because here is the rest of the story: As you might guess, there are laws on the books that say you cannot collect Social Security benefits on the account of someone you have murdered. Or, to be more precise, you cannot collect survivors benefits if you have been convicted of a felony in causing the death of the Social Security account holder.

But this woman was never convicted of such a crime. It turns out she had been the victim of terrible physical abuse from her husband for many years. On the morning of his death, he had been in the process of beating her up once again, and that led to the drastic action she took.

I don’t recall now if her case was dismissed or if she was convicted of a lesser charge that wasn’t a felony. But I did learn that, several years later (long after I had transferred to another Social Security office), the woman did eventually start getting widows benefits.

Occasionally, I’ve thought back to that case. Even though the woman obviously went through some terrible and traumatic times with her husband, I always found it interesting that one of the first things she thought of doing after she killed him was to head down to the Social Security office to file for widows benefits. We human beings sure can do some strange things sometimes, can’t we?

I have a little space left. So, let me go over the basic eligibility requirements for widows benefits.

You must be at least 60 years old (or at least age 50 if you are disabled). If you are under age 66, your eligibility is subject to the “earnings penalty” rules. Essentially, those rules say that if you are working and making much more than about $18,000 per year, you probably are not due any benefits.

Obviously, you must have been married to the deceased. Basically, Social Security follows state law when it comes to what constitutes a marriage. For example, if you have a common-law relationship, that may work for Social Security purposes, depending on where you live.

You cannot be currently married to someone else. Although widows who remarry after age 60 can still qualify for

benefits on a prior deceased husband’s account.

If you were divorced from the deceased, you could get benefits on his account if you were married to the guy for at least 10 years and you are not currently married to someone else.

And in all cases, if you are a working woman with your own Social Security account, you can exercise the “widows option,” which allows you to take reduced benefits on one account and switch to higher benefits on the other ac-

count later on. Oh, and one other thing. You can’t shoot your husband and then turn around and try to get widows benefits on his account. Well, on second thought, you can kill him, but just don’t get convicted of the crime!

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

IWill Bitcoin impact real estate within next decade?

discussed the pandemic situation last week and the trillions of dollars that have been and will be printed to keep those of our citizens that currently have no employment and those others that have suddenly become unemployed every week since this catastrophic Covid virus had hit the U.S.

With the continued printing of our currency and the unimaginable trillions of dollars that have and will be added to our national debt the potential for hyperinflation becomes more and more possible! How will Washington figure out a way to dig us out of this monstrous mountain of debt? The normal path has been to raise taxes, but on whom? The huge lowering of taxes in 2018 by the administration benefiting the high net worth individuals and businesses was a real windfall for those people and entities, but what about everyone else? Who made up the difference in those lost revenues that the government didn’t receive? I assume everyone else that wasn’t as fortunate in being mega-wealthy and having a favored huge business.

Even the S.AL.T. tax, of your local, state, and sales tax deductions to a total maximum of $10,000, affected mainly the “blue states” with the highest real estate taxes. I believe we are or have reached a point of what is inequitable and unfair, to whatever is left of our middle class, and while at the same time Washington continues to spend more than it takes in. The house of cards is at a tipping point and a massive change or potential failure of our current monetary system.

Now this fairly new “unregulated non-government currency the most popular and valuable of which is the Bitcoin (held in what is called an internet digital wallet or any of the other lesser-known cryptocurrency) are slowly starting to take a very small foothold in the way we are currently doing business now and in the future. It could potentially be an extremely bright future according to those professionals and experts who believe in this

new way of defining how we may pay for goods and services we need and want.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

As I mentioned in last week’s column all fiat currencies obtain their value, not from Gold or Silver as in the past, but from the good faith, credit, and stability of the government that is issuing it. However, as things change, they eventually become obsolete as people begin to perceive the inherent value to no longer have the worth and value any more than the paper that it is printed upon. The continued mass printing of our currency could eventually lead us to that latter result. However, there are also those that say it will never happen.

However, Bitcoin could potentially replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, but for this to happen, the digital currency would need to make progress in several important areas. Currencies serve as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of account. Right now those new digital currencies have no intrinsic tangible value and are somewhat unregulated and transactions are private for the most part but controlled by a decentralized network with a transparent set of rules.

There were some regulations that were enacted in 2013, by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to prevent those now and in the future who would use the digital currency for money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons procurement. Also, some of the negatives are the potential hacking of accounts containing the currencies as well as the crashing of computers that could wipe out your investment. Anytime there is something new that is invented, it always takes time to plan and figure out where the bugs are to streamline systems to protect everyone especially when you are transforming such an immense and critical system as our

currency as well as having the international markets adapt to it.

But I feel very positive that it will happen and be transformed over the next 5-10 years because our current government and central bank/Fed controlled system allows for unlimited printing of money which will potentially create our hyperinflation and the devaluing of our current money. From my research and vast amounts of reading, real estate is being bought, sold, and even rented using Bitcoins (Expedia.com now accepts them) to keep gains that have been attained. They will have increased usage and greater impact going forward based on the ease of transacting using this digital currency. High-end property transactions have already occurred in NY and California because those individuals understand the intricacies and the potential value of this up and coming digital currency. Investors are also using these digital currencies to transact their purchase and sales of properties.

Unbeknownst to the vast majority of people these types of exchanges are occurring and will most likely increase in the future. Here are some of the uses and benefits of using digital currencies in real estate:

• Privacy when buying property

• Easier international and overseas transactions

• Liquidity in real estate investing

• Reducing the cost of real estate transactions

• Avoiding tax on transferring property rights

• Gaining attention in the press

• Balancing the security of brick and mortar real estate with flexibility of bitcoin

Here are some more of the potential risks:

• Losses due to hackers

• No downside protection and hard collateral

• Bad actors and entrepreneurs with no real estate experience

• Hyper volatility

• Control over currency prices held by very few influencers

• Risk of new regulations

There is not enough space in this column to really delve into how these transactions function, but it’s no different than having a PayPal or debit card account since it is all done virtually. More and more businesses will eventually adapt to using this new digital currency as it becomes more acceptable. One needs to do their own research and reading to begin to understand, learn, and grasp the concepts of how far-reaching this new cryptocurrency phenomenon is and will be in the future. Here is a link to begin some basic understanding: https://www.investopedia.com/ ask/answers/100314/why-do-bitcoinshave-value.asp

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI)or go to WWW.Li-REalEstate. Com as well as a “free” value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality or Our Seller’s or Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling or Purchasing your Home. Just email or snail mail(regular mail) him with your request with your name, email and cell number and he will send it out ASAP. For a consultation, he can be reached by Cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate. Com to answer any of your questions, concerns or column suggestions.

Q & A - sourdough starter & post-exercise protein

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Q: How do you make a sourdough starter, and is it better for you?

A: Sourdough is made with a fermented “starter” that contains wild yeasts and beneficial lactic acid bacteria along with flour and water. The starter is what gives sourdough breads their tangy taste. The fermentation process helps break down the grain molecules, making the bread easier to digest and your body

better able to absorb more of the nutrients it contains. A study in Scientific Reports found sourdough wheat bread contained increased levels of 90 compounds, including essential amino acids and phytochemicals. It also has prebiotic benefits that promote good gut health. You can keep the starter in your refrigerator, feeding it weekly with additional flour and water, and bring it out to use in breads, pancakes and other baked goods.

Q: Should I eat protein after I exercise?

A: After exercise, protein synthesis causes our muscles to increase in size and strength. Dietary protein supports muscle growth, according to Roger Fielding, director of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. Muscles are more sensitive to dietary protein after exercise. Rates of muscle protein synthesis seem to in-

crease to a greater extent if you consume protein within four hours after exercising. Getting adequate protein throughout the day rather than in one meal is the best way to preserve muscle mass and support growth from exercise.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com.

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My references are excellent and verifiable.

I am also a careful, reliable person to be with at this difficult time. Call Grace 917-499-9520

Construction Company looking for P/T Office Assistant

Small office in Roslyn, flexible hours, computer skills required, Excel, Word, good organizational skills, purchasing. Please email resume to buildcocorp@gmail.com or call (718) 517-0603

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

$18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI

$13.50 P/H UPSTATE NYH. CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

ORAL SURGERY OFFICE is looking for P/T Receptionist/Insurance Biller. Flexible schedule within the hours of 8:30am-6:30pm, M-F, 25-28 hours per week. Must be able to multitask and handle fast paced environment. Please email or fax resume and salary requirements to: vincentdental230@yahoo.com fax: 516-280-7467

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MAINTENANCE

Immediate Opening SACRED HEART ACADEMY has openings in our maintenance dept.

For prompt interview call Director of Facilities & Security Jim Augello 516-483-7383,ext 247 or email:Jaugello@sacredheartacademyli.org

Salary in accordance with the East Rockaway Custodial Unit Bargaining Agreement

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS

Salary:$16.00 per hour.District Wide- All Shifts SUBSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED NURSES

District Wide.Salary:$150 (Daily) Must have Registered Nurse’s License,CPR and AED Certification

SUBSTITUTE AND PART-TIME BUS DRIVERS

Part-Time:$22 per hour

Substitute: $20 per hour

Candidate must possess a valid NYS driver’s license and must satisfy all requirements of Article 19-A SUBSTITUTE MONITORS

District Wide.Salary:$13 per hour

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AIDES

Salary:$15.00 per hour.Two years’ college required

• Experienced

• Excellent references.

We will provide you the best caregivers in America. Filipino

and women.

and caring at this very difficult time. Call Gertrude

Applications for these positions must be made only through www.pnwboces.org/olas

NY 11040 dconnolly@nhp-gcp.org Respond by: August 31, 2020 EOE

Candidates are to submit a letter of interest with resume and credentials to: Ms. Jacqueline A. Scrio

Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations

EAST ROCKAWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Seeking Candidates for the Following Positions: East Rockaway UFSD 443 Ocean Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518 (516) 887-8300 Ext. 1-553

Good interpersonal skills required serves as a resoure to the Superintendent ensuring safety/security of buildings & occupants VARIOUS SHIFTS AVAILABLE Day/Evening/Overnight/ Weekends and Holidays

• Salary $22+ per hour FINGERPRINTING & BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED

Rolling Applications Applications must be made only through www.pnwboces.org/olas

FOOD SERVICE HELPER

Substitute positions available in the Great Neck Public Schools.

Duties include preparing & serving food, cleaning, and related duties as directed. Walking, standing, moving heavy objects, and working in walk-in refrigerator/freezer required. Must be able to follow written and verbal directions.

• $15.00/hour. Minimum 3-hour work day. School calendar.

District Wide. Not eligible for benefits.

• For information call Food & Nutrition Office at 516-441-4090

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BOY SCOUT COMPENSATION FUND Anyone that was inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice and financial compensation! Victims may be eligible for a significant cash settlement. Time to file is limited. Call Now! 844587-2494

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COVID-19

Coronavirus testing is available by appointment in our Floral Park facility Mon., Wed. Thurs. at Floral Park MD across from Lady of Victory Church in the village square. Please call (516)488-1414

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Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop

Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City

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INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!

Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week!

Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.

Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

FURNITURE BEST OFFER

Solid oak tall dresser, Dark walnut armoire, Tortoise shell finish. Book case glass shelves, matching end table, chests, Bombay dresser circ 1930’s. Please call 516-883-1978 WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid

Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

MARKETPLACE

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC.

Please call 718-598-3045 or 516270-2128

www.antiqueassets.com

PETS

PET SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242

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AUTOS WANTED

AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

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APARTMENT FOR RENT

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$1850 + utilities. Call 516-385-4830

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HOMES

FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY CENTRAL SECTION

Furnished 5 BR, Office, CAC, IG Sprinklers. Close to all, walk to train, town, school. 2 car detached garage. No pets/smoking. Call or Text Mike: 718-419-4603 No Brokers

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY OFFICE SPACE

Single interior (non windowed) in clean and well kept 2 story building. Perfect for Covid conscience minded; low traffic: satellite office, therapist, psychologist etc. 9 1/2’ x 12 1/2’, ELEVATOR, security cams, kitchen, all inclusive. $880.00/month

Tom 516-877-7410 ext 101

VACATION RENTAL

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Best selection of full /partial week rentals. Call for FREE color Brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. $50 discount new rentals. Code: “WelcomeBack” (Expires 2020-09-01)

SERVICES

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship

Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

PRIVACY HEDGES

6ft tall Green Giant Arborvitae, FALL BLOWOUT SALE $79ea. FREE Planting & FREE Fall delivery, Limited Supply! ORDER NOW: 518-536-1367 www.lowcosttreefarm.com

SERVICES

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

HANDYMAN

Careful & Reliable

Covid-19 Conscious and Safe Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types

Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@optonline.net

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Deck Staining, Pressure Washing, Free Estimates www.joveldeluxe.com 631-926-3773

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

LITO CONSTRUCTION

Retaining Walls, Concrete Work, Brick Work, Foundations, Sidewalks, Bathrooms, Floor Tiles, Stoops, Blacktop Retouching, Blacktop Painting. Demolition. Licensed & Insured. Call 516-376-9365 or 516-435-7007

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ATTENTION BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB (BNL) (1947-Present) FAMILIES AND WORKERS: Did you file a claim after you or a loved one developed an illness or condition after working at BNL? Was your claim denied? We may be able to obtain Lifetime Healthcare and up to $400,000 in Compensation for you. We assist with initial claims, dose reconstructions, appeals, impairment ratings, wage loss, health care and home care. For more information, call Attorney Hugh Stephens at (716) 208-3525. No CompensationNo Fee 2495 Main St., Suite 442, Buffalo, NY 14214

SERVICES

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

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All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

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Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing Local References

Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

STAY IN YOUR HOME LON-

GER with an American Standard Walk In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-844-286-6771or visit www.walkintubquote.com / newyork

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care

Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

www.drannmariedangelo.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

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SERVICES CLEANING

DAVE’S HOME/APT CLEANING SERVICE

We help make your life easier! Cleaning, Bed Changing, Ovens, Carpets/Wood Floors, Packing/ Unpacking, Window Washing, Basements, Laundry, Airport Pick up/Drop Off 347-344-9660 davescleaningservice@gmail. com

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405

DISH TV $59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-609-9405

Local teens earn prestigious Girl Scout award

Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently celebrated local Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award during a virtual event. The Gold Award program recognizes the power and dedication shared by an elite group of young women who earn the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Members of the Central Park Service Unit (Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainview), Jaime Levy, Olivia Riegler and Amanda Rogers were among those acknowledged for this great accomplishment.

Girls in grades 9-12 begin their Gold Award journey by identifying a civic or social issue they care about. Next, a Girl Scout builds a team to support her project with the mission to create a positive impact in her community by addressing an issue she feels passionate about. Through the process, Gold Award Girl Scouts build invaluable problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills, while educating and inspiring others.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this distinguished class of young women. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Rande Bynum, chief executive officer, Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Now more than ever, the commitment of our Gold Award Girl Scouts is critical. This year, our youth faced various challenges, but through these difficult times, they showed immeasurable commitment to change by sharing their voices for justice, equality, and inclusion. I applaud these girls for remaining committed to their projects and for being a shining example to their communities.”

The Gold Award Girl Scouts each tackled a project that held a deep significance to them.

Jaime Levy

Jaime took on the challenge of introducing STEM curriculum into her

district’s special education program through her Gold Award project “STEM for All.” After noticing the subjects were only a key aspect of general education, Jamie decided to create her own workshops, giving children with special needs the chance to show off their creativity. It not only made them feel more included, but helped the students realize they can do anything they put their minds to. The workshop materials are now being used at the Adler Center to help inspire even more students.

As a recent graduate of John F Kennedy High School, Jamie was chief chairperson for the Model United Nations Club and president of Mathletes. This fall, Jamie will be attending Cornell University.  Her fondest Girl Scout memory is taking a trip to the Ronald McDonald House with her troop, and baking different desserts.

Olivia Riegler

Olivia used her Gold Award project, “CRPS Awareness” to shed a light on

Virtual programs at Syosset Public Library

Thursday, August 20 at 1 p.m.

The Great American Songbook: Part 2

Presenter: Richard Knox

Continuation of a 10-part series about the most enduring American songs of the early to mid-20th century. Attend as many sessions as you wish. No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org

Thursday, August 27 at 1 p.m.

“Some Like it Hot”

Presenter: Sal St George, playwright and film historian

Join Sal as he reminisces and tells back stories about the movie voted the #1 comedy of all time by the American Film Institute. The hilarious “Some Like it Hot” features classic comic performances by Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe. No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org .

a painful disease that affects roughly 200,000 people each year. Incorrect treatment of symptoms can lead to even more pain for those diagnosed with CRPS, so Olivia created pamphlets and held a series of educational workshops. She was able to reach a variety of age groups by speaking at her local high school, the town board meeting and with other community members. Olivia created a website, giving anyone access to her research and information about CRPS.

As a recent graduate of John F Kennedy High School, Olivia was on the varsity cheerleading team and golf team. She will be attending Bloomsburg University. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is baking desserts and collecting goods to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.

Amanda Rogers

Amanda aimed to get children with Visual Processing Disorder the care they needed through her Gold Award project, “Two Eyes, One Vision.” In noticing the disorder is not well known and often overlooked, Amanda decided to raise awareness within her community. She visited several elementary

schools across Long Island, educating both students and parents on the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Amanda recorded her presentation and posted it on YouTube giving anyone who needs it, access to vital information.

As a rising sophomore at Colorado School of Mines, Amanda is studying Mechanical Engineering. She is also an active member of her campus’ equestrian team. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is making dream catchers with her troop to exchange at the annual Rocking Horse Ranch trip.

“This year’s class of Gold Award Girl Scouts is strong, brilliant, and remarkable,” added Melanie Pavlidis, a GSNC adult volunteer & Lifetime Member from the Herricks Service Unit, brand marketing manager at GSUSA and this year’s Girl Scout Gold Awards Keynote Speaker.  “They have not only faced the pressures of school, extracurriculars, and determining their futures, but also the stress of an international health crisis and deep social unrest in our country. And yet, they devoted 80 hours of their time and energy to make the world a better place. We should all be deeply proud of them and inspired by them.”

Olivia Riegler

Jaime Levy Amanda Rogers

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